Key case

ABSTRACT

A convenient key case having one or more pockets structured to have a nonremovable holding means for each pocket to hold a key having a head and a body and to move the desired key to a load, store or use position, at the load position the key is easily and quickly inserted in or removed from the holding means, at the store position the key is stored in the pocket of the case, and at the use position the body of the key is exposed and has a part of the head remaining inside the pocket and nondetachable from the holding means.

United States Patent 3,599Afi [72] Inventors Ho Chow;

Junlin Wong Chow, both of 31 Coles Court, River Edge, NJ. 07661 [21] Appl. No. 857,860

[22] Filed Sept. 15, 1969 Patented Aug. 17, 1971 [54] KEY CASE 27 Claims, 42 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 70/459 [51] Int. Cl A47g 29/10 [50] Field of Search /459, 456 A, 456 B, 457, 458; /40; 24/3 K [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,998,799 4/1935 Woina 70/456 Primary Examiner-Stephen J. Novosad Assistant Examiner-Robert L. Wolfe ABSTRACT: A convenient key case having one or more pockets structured to have a nonremovable holding means for each pocket to hold a key having a head and a body and to move the desired key to a load, store or use position, at the load position the key is easily and quickly inserted in or removed from the holding means, at the store position the key is stored in the pocket of the case, and at the use position the body of the key is exposed and has a part of the head remain ing inside the pocket and nondetachable from the holding PATENTEU AUG! 7 l9?! 3; 599,58

swan 1 HF 51:;

INVENTORS HO CHOW c/U/VL/N W CHOW PATENIEU Mm 719?:

SHEET 3 [1F 5 INVENTOR.

PATENTEMUGIWSH I 3,599,458 SHEET m UF 5 This invention relates to a key case moving more particularly to a case for conveniently and quickly moving one desired key to a load, store or use position, by the maneuver of one hand at ease and to assure the proper orientation of the key in its use position ready to engage a lock. Most key cases presently in use are inconvenient and time-consuming to find and orient the right key for engaging a lock and return the key to its case and especially difficult to insert or remove the key in or from the case.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, a key case includes a housing provided with one or more pockets of the same construction, each pocket having enough space to store a key which has a head with a hole and a body, a holding means in each pocket nonremovable from the housing to catch the head of the key and to move the key to a load, store or use position, at the load position having the key either inserted in or removed from the holding means, at the store position having the key kept inside the pocket of the housing, and at the use position having the body of the key exposed from the pocket and having a part of the head of the key remaining inside the pocket and nondetachable from the holding means. A key as stated above represents a tool of the similar configuration, such as a screwdriver, knife, feeler gage and can opener.

It is the objective of the present invention to provide a simple, light, sturdy and compact key case which is inexpensive in that it is constructed out of easily produced parts and provides convenient and quick means to insert or remove a key in or from the case, toselect a desired key for engaging a lock and to return the key into the case to store in orderly form for its next use.

Another object of this invention is to provide the holding means with a button to engage with the hole in the head of the key and a holding member to retain the key.

Another object of this invention is to have one hand maneuver to move a key in each pocket of the case to any one of the three positions.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic ejecting device associated with the holding means to move a key from its store to use position automatically at the releasing of a control means, which normally holds the key in its store position upon itsreturn from other positions.

Another object of this invention is to provide an automatic moving device associated with the holding means to move a key from its use to load position automatically at the releasing of the same control means or another control means, which normally holds the key in its use position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a visible number or letter for each pocket in darkness or a distinctive shape for each pocket, sensible by the finger in order to select a desired key from a multiple-pocket key case in darkness or without looking.

Another object of this invention is to remove a key from the case while another key is-inserted in a lock engaged with the case or remove the key inserted in a lock from the case which contains other keys by one hand maneuver.

A further object of this invention is to keep the key in the case without rattling noise upon shaking.

A further object of this invention is to provide a hole in the housing for attaching a key chain or other connecting devices with no interference to the movement of keys, holding means and control means.

A still further object of, this invention is to provide a connected battery, bulb and switching unit in the housing to light up a lock opening for facilitating key engagement in darkness.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing objects and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, the present invention relates-to the key case above referred to as defined in the appended claims and as described in the following specification taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a plan view of a four-pocket key case showing keys 1 and 2 in their store positions according to this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view, showing the housing only, looking in the direction of the arrow 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back view showing key 3 in its load position and key 4 in its use position without showing their holding means, looking in the direction ofthe arrow 3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 showing the housing only;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 2 (or FIG. 6) showing all components oftwo pockets at the same end;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3-8 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a modified two-pocket key case, showing key I in its load position and key 2 in its store position, according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view looking in the direction of the arrow 10 of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a partial view thereof similar to FIG. 9 and showing key I in its use position;

FIG. 12 is a side view looking in the direction of the arrow 12 in FIG. 111;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken along the line 13-13 of FIG. 10(or FIG. 14) showing one typical pocket;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I4-l4 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 13;

FIG 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I6-l6 of FIG. I3;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of another modified four-pocket key case showing two keys in their store positions according to this invention;

FIG. 18 is a side view showing the housing only looking in the direction of the arrow 18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an end view showing the housing only looking in the direction of the arrow 19 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a back view looking in the direction of the arrow 20 in FIG. 18 showing one key in its use position and another key in its load position;

FIG. 21 is a part of FIG. 20, in an enlarged scale, showing all details of two pockets at the upper end;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 23-23 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 24-24 of FIG. 21;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of an embodiment of a four-pocket key case showing two keys in their store positions according to this invention;

FIG. 26 is a side view showing the housing only in the direction of the arrow 26 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is an end view showing the housing only in the direction of the arrow 27 of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a back view looking in the direction of the arrow 28 in FIG. 26 showing one key in its load position and another key in its use position;

FIG. 29 is a part of FIG. 28, in an enlarged scale, showing all details at the upper end with a part of the housing broken away;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 30-30 of FIG. 29;

cording to this invention;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 31-31 of FIG. 29; 7

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 32-32 of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of a modified two-pocket key case ac- FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 34-34 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 35-35 of FIG. 33;

FIG. 36 is a plan view of another embodiment of a onepocket key case according to the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 37-37 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 38-38 of FIG. 36; I

' FIG. 39 is a plan view of a modified form of a four-pocket key case according to this invention;

FIG. 40 is an end view looking in the direction of the arrow 40 of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 41-41 of FIG. 39; and

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 42-42 of FIG. 39.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THEPREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the drawing, FIGS. 1 to 8 show a four-pocket key case constructed with a housing 10 having two covers 11 and l 1, a partition 12 and two tubular rivets l3 and 13' which hold covers 11 and 11' and the partition 12 together. The cover 11 has walls 14 and 15 and a center post 16, while the cover 11 has walls 14' and 15 and acenter post 16'. The walls and posts of the covers 11 and 11 may be bonded or welded to the partition 12 to form four identical pockets 17a and 17h on one side as shown in FIG. I and 170 and 17d on the other side as shown in FIG. 3. Decorative labels l8 and 19 printed with numbers I to 4 in circles as shown may be adhered to the covers 11 and II to identify these four pockets. These numbers or.letters may be luminous in darkness and may be raised different shapes from covers 11 and 11' for selecting the proper pocket to find the desired key in darkness or without looking. Concaved edges 20 and 20' for covers 11 and 11 may be provided for the same purpose. 7

Keys A, 'B C, D are fitted into these pockets for storing in the case. The key C in the pocket 17c has a head 21c 23with a hole 22c and a body 23c as shown in FIG. 5. The key A shows the largest head which will fit in the pocket. The key B, C, or D shows a shortest head and a largest body which will fit in the pocket. It is preferred to have a short head in the case in order to minimize its size. Keys may be made with an unified head shape and thickness for reaching an ideal and compact key case.

Each identical pocket for each key has a holding means 24a or 24c'for pockets 170 or 170 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. The'holding means 24c has an arm 25c and a spring member 26c. A hub 270, a button 28c and a recess 29c are formed on the arm 25c. The'hub 270 having an outer bearing surface 30c with the cover 11', another outer bearing surface 310 with the partition 12 and an inner bearing surface 32c with the rivet 13 enables the holding means 240 to rotate in the pocket 170 about a fixed center point of the rivet I3 and prevents the holding means 24c separating from the housing 10. The spring member 261 has a fixed end 331 located in a gap 34(- of the arm 25c and always trapped by the cover 11' and a free end 35c inside the recess 29 c having practically the same height. The button 280 has a height less than the free end 35c. The head 21c will locate in the recess 29c, while the hole 22c will engage the button 280 by depressing the free end 35c from its free position as indicated by 35c. The key C may be easily and simply inserted in or removed from the holding means 24c in the load position as shown in FIG. 5, since the recess 29c is completely outside of the cover 11'.

FIG. 5 also shows the key C in its use and store position as shown by C and C" respectively by rotating the arm 24c about the center of the rivet 13. In the store position, the holding means 240 and the key C are completely enclosed in the pocket 17c. In the use position, a part of the key head 21c and a part of the holding means 24c including the button 28c are enclosed within the boundary of the cover 11 and the partition 12 to prevent the removal of the key C from the holding means 240 or the housing 10, while the body 230 of the key C is completely exposed for its engagement with a lock. The arm 25c is provided with a surface 366 in order to push the holding means 240 from the load to use position or from the use to store position.

The part designations for the key A in the pocket 17a as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and '7- are identical to the key C in the pocket by changing the suffix letter from c to a.

A torsion spring 37 is provided between hubs 27a and 27c to urge each other to rotate holding means 240 and 240 from the store to use position and from the use to load position. The bearing 320 has a slot to engage one end 38c of the spring 37 and the bearing 32a has a slot to engage the other end 38a of the spring 37. 1

In order to hold the holding means 24c with the key C in its store position and eject automatically the key C from the store to use position, a shoulder 39c is provided on the hub 27c of the arm 25c and a first control means 40c is introduced between the wall 15' ofthe cover 11' and the hub 27c.

In order to hold the holding means 240 with the key C in its use position and eject automatically the key C from the use to load position, a shoulder 41c is provided on the hub 27c of the arm 25c and a second control means 420 is introduced also 7 between the wall 15 ofthe cover 11 and the hub 27c.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 7 and 8, the first and second control means 40c and 420 have a plate 43c and 440 respectively placed side-by-side within the space allowed between the cover 11 and the partition 12 and rotatable about a pivot center 450 formed in the wall 15 of the cover 11' for the plate 431' and in the partition 12 for the plate 440. The plate 430 has a surface 460 which engages the shoulder 39c, while the arm 250 is in its store position. The plate 440 has a surface 47c which engages the shoulder 41c, while the arm 25c is in its use position. These plates are pressed towards the hub 27c by a spring member 48c, which has a fixed leg 49c rested against the wall 15' and two independable flexible legs 50c and 51c in engaging with 430 and 44c respectively.

A shoulder 52c is provided on the arm 25c as a stop against the surface 46c in the load position as shown in FIG. 5, while the shoulder 41c is also almost touching the wall 15'.

In ejecting the arm 25c from the store to use position, an exposed surface 53c of the plate 43c is released away from the hub 27c and stayed in its released position. The plate 43a is shown in its unreleased position. I

In ejecting the arm 25c from the use to load position, an exposed surface 54c of the plate 44c is released away from the hub 27c and stayed in its released position as shown in FIG. 5. The plate 44a is shown in its unreleased position.

Upon the turning of the arm 25c by pushing at the surface 36c from the load to use position, the plate 44c will automatically return to its unreleased position by the spring leg 51c and hold the holding means 240 in its use position.

Upon the further turning of the arm 25: from the use to store position, the plate 43- will automatically return to its unreleased position by the spring leg 50c and hold the holding means 24c in its store position.

In FIGS. 9 to 16, a two-pocket key case in a modified form of this invention is shown, wherein similar parts are modified. A housing 60 has two covers 61 and 62 held together by two screws 63 and 63 at each end. (see 63 in FIG. 14 while 63' is not shown) The upper half of the cover 61 has a pivot 64 with a center threaded hole to engage the threaded portion 65 of the screw 63 and a wall 66. The upper half of the cover 62 has a countersunk hole 67 to receive the head of the screw 63. The lower half of the housing is identical to the upper half. A

center post 68 may be provided on the cover 61 to maintain a desirable space between two covers 61 and 62. The walls, pivots and post of the cover 61 may be bonded or welded to the cover 62 to form two identical pockets 692 and 60f as shown in FIG. 9. Raised numbers 1 and 2 in a recessed circle 70 and 70' are provided on the cover 61 to identify the two pockets. Two concavedrecesses 71 and 71' may be provided in both covers 61 and 62. Two openings of desired shapes 72 and 72 are provided in the cover 61.

Keys E and F are fitted into these pockets 692 and 69ffor storing in the case. The key E is shown in a load position in FIG. 9 and in a use position in FIG. 11 and is not shown or removed in FIGS. 13 and 14. The key F has a largest head 73f and a longest body 74f which will fit in the pocket 69f. The key F also shows a smallest hole 75fin the head 73f. The key E representing a possible shape has a head 732, a body 742 and an opening 752 in the head 732.

In the pocket 692 for the key E, a holding means 762 is provided and has an arm 772 and a spring member 782. A hub 792 pivotally fitted on the pivot 64, two bent-up plates 802 and 802' to receive the smallest hole 75f in the head of any key, and a recess 812 bounded by walls 822 and 832 and stoppers 842 and 842 are formed on the arm 772. The holding means 762 is inseparable from the housing 60. The spring member 782 has two fixed hook ends 852 and 852' connected to two legs 862 and 862 formed on the arm 772 and always trapped by the cover 61 and a deformable loop 872 inside the recess 812 having practically the same height. The plates 802 and 802' have a height less than the loop 872. The loop 872 may have two bumps 882 and 882'. The head 732 of the key E will locate in the recess 812, while the hole 752 in the head 732 will engage the two plates 802 and 802'. (as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11) by depressing the loop 872 with contacts at bumps 882 and 882' from its prestressed position as shown in FIG. 13. The maximum movement of the loop 872 is limited by the stoppers 842 and 842'. The key E may be easily and simply inserted in or' removed from the holding means 762 in the load position as shown in FIGS. 9, l3 and 14, since the recess 812 is completely outside of the cover 61. The arm 772 may also be provided with tongues 892, 902, 912, 922, 932, and 942 for the purpose of securing the head of the key E, which is smaller than thehead 73f, in the recess 812 without too much free movement. In FIGS. 9 and 11, the tongues 892, 912, 932 and 942 are bent up in the recess 812 to secure the head of the key E without affecting its insertion or removal. These tongues may be bent back to suit a new' key which has a different head and hold shape. Another plate 952 may also be provided to accommodate a very special key with a small hole at its end of the head. Under this circumstance, if happened, the plate is bent up in the recess 812 and the plates 802 and 802 are bent back.

The holding means 762 is rotatable about the pivot 64. In the store position, as illustrated by the key F, the holding means 762 and the key E are completely enclosed in the pocket 692 except the recess 71. In the use position, as shown in FIG. 11, a part of the key head 732 and a part of the holding means 762 including the plates 802 and 802 are enclosed within the boundary of the covers 61 and 62 to prevent the removal of the key E from the holding means 762 in the housing 60, for its engagement with a lock. The arm 772 is provided with a-surface 962 in order to push the holding means 762 from the load to use position or from the use to store position. The recess 71 is provided for the surface 962 and the recess 71', for the equivalent surface 96fas shown in FIG. 9.

A torsion spring 972 is provided between the arm 772 and the cover 61 to urge the holding means to rotate from the store to useposition and the use to load position. One end 982 of the spring 972 is axially bent and engaged with the hole 99 in the cover 61 (see FIGS. 13 and 14) and the other end 1002 is radially bent to engage with a pusher 1012 (see FIGS. 13 and 16) which has a bent end 1022. An extended portion 103, having an end 104, is formed from the cover 61. When the spring 972 is first assembled with the cover 61 before the holding means 762, the end 1002 is engaged with the end 104 to have a preload in the spring. Upon the assembling of the holding means in the load position, the bent end 1022 pushes the end 1002 away from the end 1041 and. the spring 972 turns the holding means 762 in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 13 and stopping on a surface of the wall 66.

In order to hold the holding means 762 with the key E in its store position and eject the key E from the store to use position automatically, a shoulder 1062 is provided on the arm 7'72 and a control means 1072 is introduced between the wall 66 of the cover 61 and a hub 1002 of the arm 772.

In order to hold the holding means 762 with the key E in its use position and eject the key E from the use to load position automatically, a shoulder 1092 is provided on the hub 1002 and engaged by the same control means 1072.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, the control means 1072 has a body 1102 placed between the covers 61 and 62 and rotatable about the center ofa bearing 111 formed in the wall 66 of the cover 61. The body 1102 has a surface 1122 which engages the shoulder 1062, while the arm 772 is in the store position. By turning the body 1102 at its button 1132 through the opening 72 in the cover 61, about the center or the bearing 111, until a surface 1142 touches a surface 115 on the wall 66, against a spring 1162 as shown by an arrow 72A marked around the opening 72, the surface 1122 will disengage from the shoulder 1062 and allow the holding means 762 to rotate automatically by the spring 972 from the store to use position. At this instance, the surface 1122 touches the shoulder 1092.

By moving the button 1132 through the opening '72 in a diagonal direction to disengage the surface 11 12 from the surface 115 on the wall 66 and to push further away from the hub 1082 against the spring 1162, as shown by an arrow 72B marked around the opening 72, the surface 1122 will disengage from the shoulder 1092 and allow the holding means 762 to rotate automatically by the spring 972 from the use to load position as shown in FIG. 13.

Upon the turning of the arm 772 by pushing at the surface 962 from the load position to slightly over the use position, the body 1102 will automatically return to its second position by the spring 1162 and eventually hold the holding means 762 in its use position.

Upon the further turning of the arm 772 from the use to store position, the body 1102 will automatically return to its first position by the same spring 1162 and hold the arm 772 or the holding means 762 with the key E in its store position.

It is understood that the dual control means as shown in FIGS. 1 to 8 may be incorporated in the modified construction with the single control means as shown in FIGS. 9 to 16 and vice versa.

The construction in FIGS. 9 to 16 with a dual control means will allow any number of pockets more than two to be provided at each end of the housing. The dual control means for each pocket may be at the same side or staggered at two sides of the pivot.

The arm 772 as shown in FIGS. 9 to 16 is constructed from a sheet metal. It is further understood that this arm may be modified to a molded plastic or metal. part by substituting the tongues 892, 902, 912, 922, 932, and 9 12 and the plate 952 with plugs fitted firmly in holes to be provided in the arm 772 inside the recess 812.

In FIGS. 17 to 24, a four-pocket key case in a further modified form of this present invention is shown, wherein similar parts are modified. A housing has two covers 121 and 121, a partition 122 and two compression rivets 123 and 123. The cover 121 has blocks 124 and 125 and a center post 126, while the cover 121 has blocks 12 1 and 125 and a center post 126. The blocks and posts of the covers 121 and 121 are bonded or welded to the partition 122 to form four identical pockets 127g and 127h on one side as shown in FIG. 20 and 127i and 127 on the other side as shown in FIG. 17. The rivet 123 has a male rivet 120 and a female rivet 129 which are pressed together upon assembly with heads 130 and 131. The rivet 123' has the same construction and heads 130' and 131'. An one dot-recess may be provided in the head 131',

a two dot-recesses, in the head 131'; a three dot-recesses, in the head 130 and a four dot-recesses, in the head 130 to identify four pockets. These dot-recesses may be filled with luminous color material in order to find a desired key in darkness.

Keys G, H, I and .l are fitted into these pockets for storing in the case. The key G is shown in its use position; the key H, in its load position; and keys I and .l, in their store positions. The key G has a head 132g with a hole 133g and a body 134g which is completely exposed outside of the pocket 127g in its use position as shown.

The key G or J has a holding means 135g or 135] for pockets 127g or 127 at one end as shown in FIGS. 21 and 23. The holding means 135g has a lever 136g, an arm 137g, a pusher 138g and two compression springs 139g and 139g. The lever 136g has a hub 140g pivotally engaging in a bearing 141 in the cover 121, a plate 142g pivotally fitted in a recess 143 in the cover 121, and a counterbore 144g to engagethe head 130 and is-held in place by the rivet 123. The arm 137g has a button 145g engaging the hole 133g of the key G, and three flanges 146g, 146g and 147g and a bent-up leg 148g to fit on the flats provided on the hub 140g in order to key the lever 136g and the arm 137g together in rotation. The pusher 138g is placed between the hub 140g and the button 145g guided by the flanges 146g and 146g and urged to move towards the button 145g. by the two springs 139g and 139g. The pusher 138g and two springs 139g and 139g have the same function as the spring member 78s as shown in FIG. 13. The pusher 138g fits between the cover 121 and the partition 122 and is slightly higher than the button 145g. The holding means 135g is rotatable through a limited are about the bearing 141. By rotating this holding means 135g with the key G at the lever 136g, the key G is securely retained at its use position with the body 134g exposed as shown in FIG. 21, and moved to its store position in the pocket 127g or to its load position, like the key H in FIG. 20, for its quick removal or insertion.

The part designations for the key .I in the pocket 127j as shown in FIG. 23 are identical to the key G in the pocket 127g by changing the suffix letter from g toj.

A torsion spring 149 as shown in FIG. 23 is provided between the levers 136g and 136 to urge each other to rotate holding means 135g and 135] from the store to use position and the use to load position with the similar construction as shown in FIG. 6.

In order to hold the holding means 1353 with the key G in the store position and eject the keyG from the store to use position automatically, a shoulder 150 is provided in the recess 143 of the cover 120 and a control means 151g is introduced in the plate 142g of lever 136g.

In order to hold the holding means 135g with the key G in the use position and eject the key G from the use to load position automatically, another shoulder 152 is provided in the recess 143 of the cover 120 and engaged by the same control means 151g.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the control means 151g has a slide 153g and a compression spring 154g which urges the slide 153g to move away from the hub 140g as guided in place by the plate 142g. A surface 155g is provided on the slide 153g to engage with the shoulder 152 as shown (or the shoulder 150 in the store position).

Upon the turning of the plate 142g at its surface 156g from its load to use position, the slide 153g will automatically have its surface 155g engage with the shoulder 152 and hold the holding means 135g with the key G in its use position.

Upon the further turning of the plate 142g at the surface 156g from its use to store position, the slide 1533 will retract first against the spring 154g automatically, have its surface 155g engage with the shoulder 150 and hold the holding means 135g with the key G in its store position.

A groove 157 is provided in the block 124 and covered by the partition 122 for attaching a key chain or other connecting means. Likewise, a groove 157' may be provided in the block 124'.

In FIGS. 21, 23 and 24, a battery 158, a bulb 159 and a switching device 160 are provided in the block 125'. Both covers 121 and partition 122 are made from nonconductive material, such as plastics, The battery 158 has two terminal surfaces 161 and 162 for electrical connection. The bulb 159 has two terminals 163 and 164. A springing plate 165 is trapped in a recess 166 of the partition 122, Engages the ter minal surface 161 of the battery 158, and has a leg 167 sol dered to the terminal 163 of the bulb 159. The switching device 160 consists of a holding cover 168 to hold the battery 158 and a conductor 169 which has one end 170 soldered to the terminal 164 of the bulb 159 and a convex surface 171. As shown clearly in FIG. 24, the cover 168 is in an off position with no electrical current flowing. Upon pushing the cover 168 together wit the battery 158 towards the convex surface 171 to an on position, the terminal surface 162 makes a contact with theconvex surface 171 completing an electrical circuit to discharge a current from the battery 158 to light. up the bulb 159. The on" position is maintained by the springing plate 165 until the cover 168 is moved back to its off position. The cover 168 and the battery 158 may be removed for replacing the battery by lifting an end 172 of the cover 168 from the shoulder 173 formed in the partition 122. It is important to note that the bulb 159 is located in such a manner that its light is parallel to the key G as shown in FIG. 21 in order to light up a hole in a lock to be engaged by the key G in darkness. Likewise, a connected battery, bulb and switch unit 174, as constructed above, may be provided in the block 125 for the key I. 1

In FIGS. 25 to 31, a four-pocket key case in a first embodiment of this present invention is shown. A housing has two covers 181 and 181' and a partition 182. The cover 181 has blocks 183 and 184 and a center post 185, while the cover 181' has blocks I83 and 181 and a center post 185'. The blocks and posts of the cover 181 and 181' are bonded, welded or fastened to the partition 182 to form four identical pockets 186k and 1861 on one side as shown in FIG. 28 and 186m and 186n on the other side as shown in FIG. 25.

Keys K, L, M and N are fitted in these pockets for storing in the case. The key K is shown in its load position, the key L, in its use position and keys M and N, in their store positions. The key K has a head 187k with an opening 188k and a body 189k which is completely exposed outside of the pocket 186k in either load position or use position, while a part of the head 187k always stays inside the pocket 186k.

The key K or N has a holding means 190k or 190n for the pocket 186k or 186n, respectively, at one end as shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. The holding means 190k consists of a lever 191k, a flexible arm 192k, a spring member 193k and a cap 194k. The lever 191k has a hub 195k rotatably engaging a bearing 196 in the cover 181 and fitted in a recess 197 in the cover 181. The arm 192k has a tilted conical button 198k engaging the hole 188k of the key K and a hole 199k and two legs 200k and 200K to fit on the hub 195k with two grooves 201k and 201k for rotational engagement between the lever 191k and the arm 192k. The cap 194k has plate 202k spaced between the hub 195k and the partition 182 and two walls 203k and 204k formed with two gaps 205k and 205k. The cap 194k is bonded or welded to the lever 191k, holds the arm 192k against the cover 181, prevents the lever 191k and the arm 192k separating from the housing 180 and allows the holding means 190k to rotate about the bearing 196 in the cover 181 of the housing 180. The arm 192k is preformed with a bent towards the partition 182 before assembling and is held in the position as shown in FIG. 31 by exerting a predetermined force between the button 198k against the partition 182. The spring member 193k is constructed and functions the same as 78e in FIG. 13 and has its two ends 206k and 206k anchored in the gaps 205k and 205k for rotating together with the lever 191k, the arm 192k and the cap 194k. The holding means 190k is rotatable through a limited are about the bearing 196. By rotating the holding means 190k with the key K at the lever 191k, the key K is securely retained at its use position upon a surface 207k on the lever 191k touching a wall 208 in the recess 197, as the key L shown in FIG. 28. By rotating the holding means 190k, in the other direction, the key K is kept completely inside the pocket 186k at its store position upon a surface 209k on the lever 191k touching another wall 210 in the recess 197, as the keys M and N shown in FIG. 25. At the load position as shown for the key K, an opening 211 is provided in the cover 181 to allow the flexible arm 192k to deflect as shown by 192k in FIG. 31 upon a push or pull ofthe key K against the tilted conical button 198k for quick insertion or removal of the key K from the case. The button 198k has a conical surface in order to facilitate the pushing or pulling of the key. The conical button 198k is tilted to assure that the arm 192k will not deform towards the opening 211 at the load position with forces from the predetermined force in the arm 192k and the pushing force from the spring member 193k.

The part designations for the key .N in the pocket 186n as shown in FIG. 30 are identical to the key K in the pocket 186k by changing the suffix letter from k to n. I

A torsion spring 212 is provided between hubs 195k and 196n to urge each other to rotate holding means 190k and l90n from the store to load position and the load to use position and constructed similar to the torsion spring 37 as shown in FIG. 6.

In order to hold the holding means 190k with the key K in the store or load position and eject automatically the key K from the store to load or use position or from the load to use position, a control means 213k is introduced in the cover 181 in engaging with a surface 214k on the lever 191k. Referring to FIGS. 29 and 32, the control means 213k consists of a slide 215k and a leaf spring 216k. The slide 215k is movable in the recess 197, held to the cover 181 byits protrusions 217k and 218k and has two surfaces 219k and 220k. The spring 216k urges the slide 215k to move towards the lever 191k. In the load position, the surface 214k of the lever 191k engages the surface 220k of the slide 215k as urged by the spring 212. By

' pulling the slide 215k away from the lever 191k against the spring 216k, the holding means 190k with the key will eject automatically to the use position.

In the store position, as illustrated in FIG. 25 for keys M and N, the surface 214k of the lever 191k.will engage the surface 219k of the slide 215k as urged by the spring 212. By pulling the slide 215k away from the lever 191k against the spring 216k, the holding means 190k with the key K will be ejected automatically to the use position. However, if the slide 215k is released just after pulling, the key K will be ejected automatically to the load position and held in the load position.

Upon the turning of the lever 191k from the use to load positiomthe control means 213k will hold the holding means 190k in the load position.

Upon the further turning of the lever 191k from the load to store position, the control means 213k will hold the holding means 190k in the store position.

In order to identify the four keys in the four pockets, raised dots, ranging from one to four in number, may be provided on the levers as shown in FIGS. 25, 28 and 29. These dots may be coated with luminous color material in order to permit a desired key to be found in darkness.

A groove 22] is provided in the block 183 and covered by the partition 182 for attaching a key chain or other connecting means. Likewise, a groove 221 may be provided in the block In FIGS. 33 to 35, a two-pocket key case in a simplified form of the first embodiment is shown, wherein the same parts are identified with the same number except changing the suf-' fix to p or q for two keys P and Q. A housing 222 has two covers 223 and 224 with a hole 225 through both covers for a key chain or other connecting means. The cover 223 has two blocks 226 and 227 and a post 228, which are bonded, welded or fastened to the cover 224 to form two identical pockets 229p and 2291 The key P is shown in its use position, while P illustrates the key P in its store position. The key Q is shown in its load positiori, while illustratesthe key Q in its store position.

lit)

The holding means p and 1904; are constructed the same as shown in FIGS. 25 to 31 except one detent 230p is provided on the cap 194p for engaging a spring 231p and a ball 232p located in the block 226 to maintain the holding means 1190p in its load position. The ball and spring construction also exerts a frictional force to hold the holding means 190;) with the key P in its store or use position. An automatic ejecting means by a torsion spring with a control means is not incorporated in this simplified construction. Recessed numbers 1 and 2 are shown in the levers 191p and 191 for identifying the keys. Raised shapes may also be provided on the lever 191p and 191q for finding the desired key without looking.

ln FIGS. 36 to 38, a single-pocket key case in a second embodiment of the invention is shown. A housing 240 has two covers 241 and 242. The cover 241 has walls 243, 244 and 245 on three sides and a-slot 246. These walls 243, 244 and 245 are bonded, welded or fastened to the cover 242 to form a pocket 247r which has one opening 243.

A key R is fitted in the pocket 247r for storing in the case. The key R is shown in its load position and has a head 249r with an opening 250r and a body 25lr which is exposed outside of the pocket 247r in its load position or use position, while a part of the head 251r always stays inside the pocket 247r.

The pocket 247r has a holding means 252r which consists of a slide 253r, a spring bridge 254r, a spring member 255r and a cap 256r. The slide 253r has a block 257r which fits in the slot 246, two retaining legs 258r and 258r formed with two shoulders 259r and 259r' and a gap 2601'. The spring bridge 254r has a flexible plate 261r, fitted in the gap 260r, with a tilted conical button 262r, just like 198k (see FIG. 31) and for the same purpose, formed at one end and two U-shaped bends 263r and 263r formed at the other end. This plate 2611' is slightly narrower than the slot 246. The spring member 255r, just like 193k (see FIG. 29) and for the same function, has two free ends 264r and 264r and extends itself to a position 255r, if the key R is disengaged from the holding means 252r. A cap 256r has a plate 265r and a frame 266r which traps two ends 264r and 264r of the spring member 255r and holds the spring bridge 254r engaged at the two U-shaped bends 263r and 263r. A surface 267r on the frame 266r forms a stop for the movement of the-spring member 255r. This cap 256r is bonded or welded to the slide 253r "to form a holding means 252r in combination with the spring bridge 254r and the spring member 255r. This holding means 252r is slidable in the slot 246. The spring bridge 254r is predeformed and urges the block 257r of the slide 253r to move outward towards the slot 246 and creates enough frictional force to have the holding means 252r stay at any position along the movement in the slot 246.

At the load position as shown, two detents 268 and 260 are provided in a surface 269 of the cover 242 to engage the U- shaped bends 263r and 263r of the spring bridge 254r. The tilted conical button 262r is constructed exactly like 198k in FIG. 31 and engages the hole 250r in the head 249r of the key R. The method of inserting and removing the key is the same as described above for the first embodiment. The slot 246 allows theplate 261r to deform at this load position.

Upon the touching of a surface of the block 257r with an end surface 270 of the slot 246, the holding means 252r with the key R will be in its use position with a part of the head 249r staying inside the pocket 247. The key R is not removable in this use position as the plate 261r carrying the button 262r is not within the slot 246 and may not be deformed. Two shoulders 271 and 271' are provided inside the cover 241 and engages the two shoulders 259r and 259w of the slide 253r urged by the spring bridge 254r. Therefore, the holding means 252r with the key R is prevented from pushing inward in the pocket 247r, when the key R is in use.

By depressing the holding means 252r to disengage the shoulders 271 and 271' with the shoulders 259r and 259r of the slide 253r, the holding means 252r with the key R is moved all the way inward, passing the load position, to reach its store position by keeping the key R inside the pocket 247. During the movement of the holding means 252r inside the slot 246, the button 262r slides always on the surface 269'and will not engage the detents 268 and 268' in the surface 269.

A hole 272 in the cover 241 and a hole 273 in line with the hole 272 in the cover 242 are provided for attaching a key chain or other connecting means.

ln FIGS. 39 to 42, a four-pocket key case ofa modified form of the second embodiment is shown, wherein the same parts are identified with the same number except changing the suffix from r to s,'t, u or v for each key S, T, U or V, none of which is shown. A housing 274 has two covers 275 and 275, which are bonded or welded together and trap a partition 276 in between. A groove 277 in the cover 275 forms'an opening for a key chain or other connecting means. Two pockets 278s and 278! are formed on one side for keys S and T (not shown) and two pockets 278u and 278v, on the other side for keys U and V (not shown), preferably to have openings 279 and 280 for pockets 278s and 278! at the opposite end of the other two openings 281 and 282 for pockets 278u and 278v.

Each pocket, such as the pocket 278s with the holding means 252s in its load position, is constructed the same as shown in FIGS. 36 to 38 except as described below.

The spring member 255s of the holding means 252s consists ofa pusher 283s and a compression spring 284s, just like 138g and 139g (and 1393) in FIG. 21, and performs the identical function as described/The pusher 283: is fitted in the gap 260s and is urged by the spring 284s to move towards the button 262s. One end of the spring 284s is anchored ona bar 285s formed on the slide 253s. Another bar 286s is also formed on the slide 253s to engage the U-shaped bends 263s and 263s of the spring bridge 254s, while the cap 256r, as shown in FIGS. 36 to 38, is eliminated in this modified design.

In order to eject the holding means 252x automatically from the store to' use position. two springs 287s and 287s" are provided in each pocket. Each spring has its one end anchored to the housing and the other end attached to the slide of the holding means. FIGS. 38 to 42 show a Negator or constant-force spring 287: with one end formed with a hook 288s anchored with a bent-up leg 289 from the partition 276. A rolled up portion 290: of the Negator spring 287.: is rested in an arm 291s formed on the slide 253s. The other Negator spring 287s is provided at the other side of the slide 253: to create a balanced force to eject the holding means 252s. Two shoulders 292 and 292 are provided inside the cover 275 to engage ,two shoulders 293s and 293s on the slide 253s at the store position. The holding means 252! is shown in its store position. Upon the depression of the slide 253s against the spring bridge 254s, the shoulders 293s and 293s will disengage from the shoulders 292 and 292', and the springs 287s and 287s will eject theholdingmeans 2525 with the key S from the store to use position.

The housings as described above may be molded from plastic materials and bonded together with a solvent or welded together with heat created by sonic energy. They also may be die-casted in zinc or aluminum and bonded together with an adhesive or fastened together.

' Although the cases have been described throughout as being for the purpose of holding keys, for which it is eminently suited. it will be understood that it may be accepted for the holding of other tools, such, for example, as screw drivers,

' knives. feeler gages and can openers.

Although there are only one to four pockets described herein, it is understood that any number of pockets may be provided in each key case.

From the above description and the showing of the drawings, our invention related to key and tool cases provides load, store" and use" positions for each key or tool and the number of keys or tools in each case is not limited to four as illustrated above.

It will be understood, of course, that various details of construction may be varied through a wide range without departing from the principles of this invention and it is, therefore,

not the purpose to limit the patent granted herein otherwise than necessitated by the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A key case comprising a housing having multiple pockets of the same construction, each said pocket having enough space to store a key, said key having a head with an aperture and a body, and a holding means in each said pocket nonremovable from said housing to catch the head of said key and move said key to any one of three positions, namely; load, store and use position, at said load position having said key easily inserted in and removed from said holding means, at said store position having said key kept inside said pocket of said housing, and at said use position having said body of said key exposed from said pocket and having a part of said head of said key remaining inside said pocket and nondetachable from said holding means.

2. The key case ofclaim l in which said holding means is maneuverable with one hand to move said key to any one of three said positions.

3. The key case of claim 1 in which at least one key is removable from the case while another key in use position is being engaged in a lock.

4. The key case of claim 1 in which one key in its use position engaged in a lock is able to be moved to its load position for detaching said case with other keys from said key engaged in said lock.

5. The key case ofclaim l in which said holding means has a spring member toeject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing ofa control means in as sociation with said holding means.

6. The key case of claim 5 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon further releasing of said control means in association with said holding means.

i 7. The key case of claim 5 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon releasing of another control means in association with said holding means.

8. The key case of claim 1 in which said housing has a luminous number or letter for each said pocket for selecting the desired key in darkness. I

9. The key case of claim 1 in which said housing has a distinctive shape sensible by a finger for each said pocket for selecting the desired key without looking.

10. The key case of claim 1 in which said housing provides one or more apertures for attaching a key chain or other connectmg means. i

11. The key case of claim l.in which said housing provides at one or more pockets a connected battery, bulb and switch unit to light up a'lock opening for facilitating key engagement in darkness.

12. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises an arm with a button engaged with said aperture in the head of said key and a holding member to maintain said key on said arm, and said arm is rotatable about a bearing.

13. The key case of claim 12 in which said arm of said holding means has said use position between said store position and said load position.

14. The key case of claim 13 in which said arm has a spring member to eject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing of a control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said use position is held by said control means and said spring member.

15. The key case of claim 14 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon the further releasing of said control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said load position is held by said spring member against a stop on said housing or said control means.

16. The key case of claim 13 in which said arm has a spring member to eject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing of a control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said use position is held by another control means and said spring member.

17. The key case of claim 16 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon the releasing of said another control means in association with said arm, and said arm in load position is held by said spring member against a stop on said control means or said housing.

18. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises an arm with a tilted conical button engaged with said aperture in the head of said key and a holding member to maintain said key on said arm, said arm is rotatable about a bearing, and said arm has said load position between said store position and said use position.

19. The key case of claim 18 in which said arm has a spring member to eject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing of a control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said use position is held by said spring member and a stop on said housing.

20. The key case of claim 19 in which said arm in said store position or said load position is held by said control means against said spring member.

21. The key case of claim 18 in which said arm is free to deform to allow said key being inserted or removed at said load position upon applying of a force at said key against said bearing.

22. The key case of claim 18 in which said holding means engages a spring device at said load position for easily finding said load position.

23. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises a slide movable in a slot in said housing and a spring bridge with a tilted conical button engaged with said aperture in the head of said key and has said load position between said store position and said use position.

24. The key case of claim 23 in which said slide locks in said housing preventing from sliding at said use position as urged by said spring bridge.

25. The key case of claim 24 in which said slide locks in said housing preventing from sliding at said store position to said use position upon the disengaging of said slide from said housing at said store position.

26. The key case of claim 25 in which said spring bridge is free to deform to allow said key being inserted or removed at said load position upon applying of a force at said key against said slide.

27. The key case of claim 23 in which said spring bridge engages with said housing at said load position for easily finding said load position. 

1. A key case comprising a housing having multiple pockets of the same construction, each said pocket having enough space to store a key, said key having a head with an aperture and a body, and a holding means in each said pocket nonremovable from said housing to catch the head of said key and move said key to any one of three positions, namely; load, store and use position, at said load position having said key easily inserted in and removed from said holding means, at said store position having said key kept inside said pocket of said housing, and at said use position having said body of said key exposed from said pocket and having a part of said head of said key remaining inside said pocket and nondetachable from said holding means.
 2. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means is maneuverable with one hand to move said key to any one of three said positions.
 3. The key case of claim 1 in which at least one key is removable from the case while another key in use position is being engaged in a lock.
 4. The Key case of claim 1 in which one key in its use position engaged in a lock is able to be moved to its load position for detaching said case with other keys from said key engaged in said lock.
 5. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means has a spring member to eject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing of a control means in association with said holding means.
 6. The key case of claim 5 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon further releasing of said control means in association with said holding means.
 7. The key case of claim 5 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon releasing of another control means in association with said holding means.
 8. The key case of claim 1 in which said housing has a luminous number or letter for each said pocket for selecting the desired key in darkness.
 9. The key case of claim 1 in which said housing has a distinctive shape sensible by a finger for each said pocket for selecting the desired key without looking.
 10. The key case of claim 1 in which said housing provides one or more apertures for attaching a key chain or other connecting means.
 11. The key case of claim 1 in which said housing provides at one or more pockets a connected battery, bulb and switch unit to light up a lock opening for facilitating key engagement in darkness.
 12. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises an arm with a button engaged with said aperture in the head of said key and a holding member to maintain said key on said arm, and said arm is rotatable about a bearing.
 13. The key case of claim 12 in which said arm of said holding means has said use position between said store position and said load position.
 14. The key case of claim 13 in which said arm has a spring member to eject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing of a control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said use position is held by said control means and said spring member.
 15. The key case of claim 14 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon the further releasing of said control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said load position is held by said spring member against a stop on said housing or said control means.
 16. The key case of claim 13 in which said arm has a spring member to eject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing of a control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said use position is held by another control means and said spring member.
 17. The key case of claim 16 in which said spring member ejects said key from said use position to said load position upon the releasing of said another control means in association with said arm, and said arm in load position is held by said spring member against a stop on said control means or said housing.
 18. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises an arm with a tilted conical button engaged with said aperture in the head of said key and a holding member to maintain said key on said arm, said arm is rotatable about a bearing, and said arm has said load position between said store position and said use position.
 19. The key case of claim 18 in which said arm has a spring member to eject said key from said store position to said use position upon the releasing of a control means in association with said arm, and said arm in said use position is held by said spring member and a stop on said housing.
 20. The key case of claim 19 in which said arm in said store position or said load position is held by said control means against said spring member.
 21. The key case of claim 18 in which said arm is free to deform to allow said key being inserted or removed at said load position upon applying of a force at said key against said bearing.
 22. The key case of claim 18 in which said holding means engages a spring device at said load position for easily finding said load position.
 23. The key case of claim 1 in which said holding means comprises a slide movable in a slot in said housing and a spring bridge with a tilted conical button engaged with said aperture in the head of said key and has said load position between said store position and said use position.
 24. The key case of claim 23 in which said slide locks in said housing preventing from sliding at said use position as urged by said spring bridge.
 25. The key case of claim 24 in which said slide locks in said housing preventing from sliding at said store position to said use position upon the disengaging of said slide from said housing at said store position.
 26. The key case of claim 25 in which said spring bridge is free to deform to allow said key being inserted or removed at said load position upon applying of a force at said key against said slide.
 27. The key case of claim 23 in which said spring bridge engages with said housing at said load position for easily finding said load position. 